Lasik Risks

As surgeons become better skilled performing Lasik eye surgery and the technology advances, the likelihood of developing complications from this innovative procedure decreases. Complications with Lasik are less likely to occur with surgeons who are experienced and have performed the procedure many times. Experienced surgeons are currently reporting a complications rate of below 1 percent when candidates have been carefully screened and selected.

Most Lasik complications, which are rarely permanent or significant, are resolved by re-treating the eye with lasers or by using eye enhancements. As with any form of surgery, Lasik has the potential for side effects. Although these side effects are not considered life threatening, they can affect the overall health of the eye, or eyes, as well as the quality of vision.

Flap Complications

The most frequent form of complication associated with Lasik is problems with the flap. The flap is what is created when the cornea, the clear front covering of the eye, is cut and lifted to reshape the eye. After reshaping is accomplished, the flap is replaced and forms a natural bandage.

On rare occasions the flap is cut through. This is more likely to occur when a microkeratome is used for the procedure instead of an IntraLase laser. The IntraLase has been shown to improve the accuracy of the procedure and thus reduce the number of flap complications.

When the flap is improperly cut, or cut too thinly or too thickly, it may not attach correctly to the eye surface. When the flap is repositioned over the eye, it may begin to wrinkle. These flap problems can produce an irregularly shaped eye surface, which can create vision distortions and irregular astigmatism.

Dead cells can also get trapped under the flap. This is called Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis (DLK). This causes the cornea to react to the foreign matter by becoming inflamed and scarring. If not treated promptly with appropriate topical steroids and antibiotics, this can potentially result in permanent vision loss. The flap may also need to be lifted and scraped to remove the infiltrates and any resulting growth.

Keratectasia

When the flap is cut too deeply or if too much tissue is removed from the cornea during the Lasik procedure, keratectasia can occur. This condition causes the weakened cornea to bulge and can distort the vision. This condition is corrected with laser enhancement. When this happens a rigid contact may be inserted to help hold the cornea in place.

Irregular Astigmatism

Irregular astigmatism can also result from Lasik surgery when the laser correction is improperly centered on the eye. Symptoms include double vision, or diplopia, or ghost images. This can generally be remedied by re-treating the eye or by using enhancements.

Irregular healing of the cornea or swelling following surgery can also cause ghost images or double vision. In these situations symptoms are likely to vanish without additional treatment after healing is complete.

Overcorrection and Undercorrection

People with severe visual problems are more likely to encounter a gradual decrease in visual acuity over a period of time after Lasik. This is known as regression. The healing response can also determine whether or not overcorrection or undercorrection occurred. Both situations can also lead to imperfect outcomes. A follow-up procedure known as enhancement can alleviate these problems.

Dry Eye and Other Problems

Dry eye can also occur after Lasik surgery. Inflammation, redness, irritation, visual distortion and infection can also take place. Some patients report seeing glares or halos around brightly lit objects at night. The Lasik treatment can cause these complications because it is unable to accommodate the enlarged pupil when in low-lit areas.